Voter's guide for Tuesday, April 3 election

Richard J. Steinberg

Brookfield schools were recently named the best in the state. Are there ways the city can maintain and perpetuate the success of its schools with limited resources?

The answer is in the question, in that the city does have limited resources. City of Brookfield taxpayers also have limited resources and cannot be asked to pay more and more. The city can help and maintain the success of the schools by partnership efforts. There is a history of cooperative efforts that should continue. Senior citizens who pay property taxes already carry a heavy burden and many are on a fixed income. The city and the school system are two separate entities and each have their own financial priorities.

How would you propose maintaining and attracting business without compromising the quality of life for Brookfield residents and families?

The quality of life in Brookfield must be improved and maintained at a high level. The city has been successful in economic development in difficult financial times. The local chamber of commerce helps to attract

and keep local business.

Capital projects make up a considerable portion of Brookfield's budget and provide the infrastructure for the city. What do you believe is the best way to fund these projects on an annual basis?

Capital projects have been funded by borrowing the money needed and by selling bonds. The city has a professional bond consultant, pays a low interest rate and has been able to get funding for capital projects.

Daniel Sutton (i)

Age: 47

Job: sales manager, Victaulic Company of America

Education: bachelor's degrees in business management and business marketing, University of South Florida

Contact: (262) 373-0173

Brookfield schools were recently named the best in the state. Are there ways the city can maintain and perpetuate the success of its schools with limited resources?

I recognize a quality Elmbrook school system contributes to Brookfield's vitality and directly translates to increased property values. As a responsible city steward, a high priority is to enhance property values and improve our children's education. I'm a six-year member of Brookfield's Finance Committee and have voted for and encouraged policies of cooperation with Elmbrook Schools. These policies included: approving bridge loans to Elmbrook, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars; funding DARE and Safety Town programs, and joint newsletters. I am a member of Brookfield East High School 2010 and Beyond Committee and will continue to encourage cooperation with Elmbook Schools.

How would you propose maintaining and attracting business without compromising the quality of life for Brookfield residents and families?

The city of Brookfield has a strong commercial business presence which supplements and provides tax relief for local homeowners. I am business-friendly until the business is not friendly. City zoning must facilitate good and successful businesses while always protecting the sanctity of the residential neighborhoods and never translate to a lesser quality of life. I have successfully advocated commercial zoning changes in the Northeast Industrial sector while not encroaching on residential areas. I recognize the current economic climate and will work with the local business community to keep them vital but never at the expense of residential neighbors.

Capital projects make up a considerable portion of Brookfield's budget and provide the infrastructure for the city. What do you believe is the best way to fund these projects on an annual basis

I carefully examine the need of capital projects and have a high threshold that must be met before committing resident's tax dollars. I always examine and explore the opportunity for collaborative efforts and opportunities for cost sharing. I insure that the project timing is optimal for achieving the lowest installed cost. The city has partnered with local communities, the state, the federal government and the Department of Transportation on numerous projects and saved local taxpayers substantial funds. I will be diligent to insure Brookfield retains an AAA Bond rating, which allows the city to borrow funds at reduced costs.

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